POETRY FOR THE POISONED

This is my first Kamelot record. I have bought the album because there was a special offer at my local record store and because I have heard many positive things about this band. I also liked the album cover and was looking forward to listen to the collaborations with the legendary Jon Oliva and Simone Simmons.

As I know listen to this album, I must admit that I expected more. There are many average songs that are produced way too soft and not edgy enough. Roy Khan's voice sometimes sounds too smooth and almost emotionless. The instrumental parts on the album are well done but I'm really missing the emotions in here. This melancholy atmosphere is dominating the whole album and becomes somehow the concept of it. Even after multiple listenings, many songs just don't stay on my mind and aren't catchy or outstanding at all like the very weak opener "The Great Pandemonium" or "Necropolis". The whole concept and atmosphere of the album grew on me every time I listened to it again, but a real killer is missing on this album.

The most interesting songs on the album are the catchy, dreamy and soft "Hunter's season", the beautiful duet "House On The Hill", the diversified and progressive title track "Poetry For The Poisoned" that has been cut into four pieces as well as the orchestral and epic "Once Upon A Time". But none of these songs is an innovating masterpiece or something fresh.

This is a good album to listen to in the background with its smooth atmosphere, but you can also get drowned into its very melancholic atmosphere which is a very positive points. The album only works as a whole piece, but the single songs are quite mediocre and sometimes even boring.

I would not recommend to get introduced to Kamelot with this album and rather choose an older one. I would also only recommend this record to the fans of the band and not to everyone who likes melodic power metal. If you are not sure, you should listen to this album before you consider buying it.

Originally published on www.metal-archives.com on October 28th of the year 2010.